How did your journey into property developing begin?
We grew up in England and throughout our childhood we were always around property development. Our parents would buy rundown houses, and reform them into family homes where we would live for a few years before they’d sell up and do it again. We grew up on construction sites so without realising it we had property developing ingrained in us. Then when we came to Mallorca, we saw an opportunity to do a renovation on a 500m2 house that was totally derelict. It started with just one project but by the end we realised we could make a business out of it.
What are the most common challenges that you face?
Each project presents a new challenge. Whether we’re renovating a run-down building or designing a new low-impact home, our philosophy is always the same. When our clients buy from us, we do every- thing we can to make them feel like “they’ve arrived”. Arrived on our shores. Arrived in Sóller. And most importantly arrived at a new chapter in their lives.
Talk to us about a recent property that you’re particularly proud of.
Canoneta is the one that comes to mind because it was quite recently finished and we handed it over for Christmas. It was a 600m2 townhouse in Sóller, typical of one of our projects with really nice arquitectural features and lots of character. We spent two years on it and it was the biggest project we’ve ever done. We’ve got a great ongoing relationship with the clients that moved in as well which makes it all the more worth it.
It’s the dream of many to have a house built from scratch in Mallorca. What would you say to those looking to do it themselves?
The biggest thing that causes problems is if you think you can do everything your way. It’s common to hear of people move here after developing property in England or Germany and believing that money can solve everything. Honestly, you’ve got to be respectful of the local ways of working. Being a good person is something that is underrated in business. Identify good local people, listen to them, respect them and build good relationships is our advice.
Favourite place to build in Mallorca?
We’re very focused in one area in the north west… Sóller, Port Sóller, Fornalutx which we love. Can we change the question to our favourite style? That would have to be traditional townhouses.
Least favourite place to build in Mallorca?
Can’t say a place but our least favourite style would be modern, contemporary villas with no character. We love properties that fit into their environment. The ones that are timeless.
What are buyers looking for in 2022?
Our clients are looking for that contemporary luxury feel but still being connected with nature, to heritage and to the history of the island. Each project presents a new challenge. Whether we’re renovating a run-down building or designing a new low-impact home, our philosophy is always the same. When our clients buy from us, we do everything we can to make them feel like “they’ve arrived”. Arrived on our shores. Arrived in Sóller. And most impor- tantly arrived at a new chapter in their lives.
Why Berrow Projects?
The thing that separates us from the rest is that we have just one team and one set of standards for everything. Whereas other developers will outsource, we have an in-house team of architects, estate agents etc. We’re focused on building a really strong culture, attracting talented people and having them as part of our team. When you come to Berrow Projects you’re coming to us as the architect and as the real estate agent. It’s more like a brand really.
